ACBC WA and CCCA Perth Branch China National Day Celebrations 2021
The Australia China Business Council WA Branch, together with the CCCA Perth Branch successfully held their 2021 China National Day celebrations on Thursday 30th September at the State Reception Centre in Perth. With the support of Platinum Event Sponsor Fortescue Metals Group, the event was a sell-out with some 300 people in attendance; including distinguished guests such as Hon Mark McGowan Premier of Western Australia, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Perth Mr Dingbin LONG, Hon Roger Cook MLA Deputy Premier of Western Australia, Dr Andrew Forrest AO, Hon Sue Ellery MLC Minister for Education, Hon Pierre Yang MLC Government Whip in the Upper House and the Hon Peter Tinley MLA.
WA Premier McGowan commented that “I have been to two great events this week; the AFL grand final and here I am at the China National Day celebrations. Two wonderful events this week that showcase what we can do in Western Australia.” The Premier went on to say “Its important that we acknowledge the relationship we have with China because it has been a large part of the economic success and cultural success of our state and our country for 50 years but in particular over the last 2 years. Where would the country have been but for our strong economic performance here in Western Australia.”
Speaking to those present, Consul General Long said “Here I would like to take the opportunity to express my gratitude to the business community of WA for your efforts, for your contributions to the bilateral relationship as well as our mutual cooperation between China and Australia”. He went on to say “next year we are going to celebrate 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties ‘I think we should all do something for the 50th anniversary. So let’s join hands together with endless effort for smooth and healthy development of China Australia relationship – which is beneficial for both of us as well as the Asia Pacific Region”.
Speaking to the bilateral relationship generally, Dr Andrew Forrest commented that the relationship we ought to have between Australia and China be “not one of concern, not one of fear, but one based on mutual trust, one based where we must be; which is together as partners”.
Speaking to the ABC at the event, WA President Mr James Clarke went on to say “second track diplomacy ties are extremely important in a time where the bilateral relationship is where it is at”. He went on to say “things might be happening on the surface, there might be political issues, but business is very keen to make sure that those ties remain strong and business keeps on moving forward.”
The event also saw the presentation of the eminent ACBC WA Honorary Award for 2021 to Mr Philip Kirchlechner, which can be read up on here.
